Mission Surya – Day 3: Shipki La Pass, Shaksgam Valley & Global Disputes
Important geography and international relations topics including Shipki La Pass, Shaksgam Valley, Senkaku Islands and Scarborough Shoal.
17 February 2026
Day 3 focuses on important geographical locations and international dispute zones that frequently appear in UPSC prelims questions.
Core Concepts
Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh historically served as a trade route between India and Tibet.
Shaksgam Valley is illegally ceded by Pakistan to China and is claimed by India.
Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Rajasthan in the Aravalli range.
Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh is part of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.
The Senkaku Islands are disputed between China and Japan in the East China Sea.
South China Sea Dispute
• Scarborough Shoal is a disputed territory between China and the Philippines.
• China has attempted to establish control through maritime patrols and infrastructure activities.
Quick Revision for Prelims
- • Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh historically served as a trade route between India and Tibet.
- • Shaksgam Valley is illegally ceded by Pakistan to China and is claimed by India.
- • Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Rajasthan in the Aravalli range.